Top Dist. 214 soloists compete Dec. 7 for spot at Honors Orchestra
A District 214 recital featuring outstanding soloists in the annual Concerto Competition will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 7 in the theater at Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights.
Seven finalists representing several District 214 high schools will compete for the opportunity to perform as a featured soloist with the Honors Orchestra at the Honors Music Festival, at 7:30 p.m. March 3 in the Forest View Educational Fieldhouse.
The competition began in October when all interested District 214 band and orchestra members submitted a recording containing a solo work. The top competitors were selected to participate in the recital competition.
According to contest coordinator Chris Karl, "This year's submissions really stood out from the crowd. I am extremely proud of all of those who competed and am always impressed with the talent found throughout District 214. I look forward to the recital and know our community will come out to support our artists."
A panel of professional musicians will choose the winner.
This year's finalists are:
• Buffalo Grove High School senior Molly Jackson of Buffalo Grove, performing the Allegro Moderato from the Concerto for Violin in G Major by Haydn.
• John Hersey High School junior Natalie Gaynor of Arlington Heights; playing the Allegro from the Violin Concerto in E minor by Mendelssohn.
• John Hersey High School senior Kristin Holz of Arlington Heights, playing the rondo movement of Von Weber's First Clarinet Concerto in F Minor.
• John Hersey High School senior Kelly Nyquist of Prospect Heights, playing the third movement of the Tuba Concerto by Gregson
• John Hersey High School senior Ilona Widomska of Mount Prospect playing the first movement of the Nielsen Flute Concerto.
• Rolling Meadows High School junior Lizzy Jordan of Arlington Heights; playing the Moderato from the Cello Concerto in C Major by Haydn.
• Rolling Meadows High School sophomore Melissa Priller, of Arlington Heights, playing the first movement, Khachaturian Violin Concerto.
Each of the finalists will get a $50 honorarium, which will be presented to them at the recital.
Wheeling High School soprano Samantha Zuba of Wheeling got Honorable Mention for her "O Mio Babbino Caro" from the opera "Gianni Schicchi" by Puccini.
There is no admission charge for either the soloist competition in January or the Honors concert in March and the community is invited to both performances. Contact the coordinator via at chris.karl@d214.org.